Keratin Treatment Sydney: a Guide to Smooth, Glossy Hair

Imagine waking up each morning to silky, manageable hair that barely needs styling – no more frizzy bedhead or wrestling with the flat iron. This is the magic of a keratin hair treatment, a salon service that has revolutionized hair care for those of us battling frizz, curls, or unruly locks. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keratin treatments before you get one. From how they work and what to expect, to the benefits for your hair and how to maintain that fresh-from-the-salon smoothness, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your go-to resource on saying goodbye to bad hair days and hello to glossy, sleek tresses – all while enjoying Franck Provost’s premium touch.

What Is a Keratin Treatment and How Does It Work?

A keratin treatment (often called a keratin smoothing treatment or Brazilian blowout) is a semi-permanent hair smoothing service that infuses your hair with keratin – the same protein that our hair is naturally made of. Think of keratin as the building blocks of your hair. Over time, heat styling, chemical processing, and environmental stressors chip away at those blocks, leaving your hair porous, frizzy, and prone to tangles. In a keratin treatment, a special formula rich in keratin and conditioning agents is applied to your hair. This formula fills in the gaps and holes in the hair shaft, effectively repairing damage and coating the hair to create a smooth surface.

Once the keratin solution is applied and has had time to penetrate, your stylist will flat iron your hair in small sections. The heat is crucial – it seals the keratin into the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair strand). The result? Those lifted, rough cuticles lie flat and sealed, leaving your hair looking incredibly shiny and feeling silky-soft. Essentially, you’re giving your hair a new protective protein layer, which means less frizz, more shine, and easier styling for you.

It’s important to note that keratin treatments are not the same as traditional chemical straighteners or relaxers. Keratin doesn’t break the internal bonds of the hair the way a strong chemical straightener does. Instead, it works on the surface and slightly softens the hair’s natural texture. If you have curls, a keratin treatment will loosen them, not completely remove them. If you have waves or frizz, a keratin will likely make your hair mostly straight, very smooth, and far more manageable, but perhaps not pin-straight as a chemical relaxer would. Many of our clients at Franck Provost love this, because it means their hair still has body and movement – just without the unwanted frizz or pouf.

The Keratin Treatment Process: What to Expect

Never had a keratin treatment before? Let’s walk through the typical process at a salon like Franck Provost, so you can feel prepared and excited for your appointment:

1. Consultation: First, your stylist will examine your hair and discuss your goals. Do you want it completely straight or just tamed? Is your hair colored or highlighted? This helps us choose the right keratin formula (we use formaldehyde-free formulas that are gentle but effective).

2. Clarifying Shampoo: We start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This step removes any residual product buildup, oils, or impurities, and opens your hair cuticles so they can better absorb the keratin solution. Your hair will be squeaky-clean after this – no conditioner is applied, as we want the hair cuticle ready to soak in keratin.

3. Drying: Next, your hair is dried until it’s about 80-100% dry. Unlike a colour service, keratin is typically applied on dry (or slightly damp) hair to ensure even saturation.

4. Application of Keratin Solution: Your stylist will then apply the keratin treatment product to your hair in sections, much like applying a hair colour or mask. We ensure every strand – from roots to ends – is coated. The solution doesn’t usually touch your scalp (especially if it contains any smoothing chemicals), it’s focused on the hair itself. As this product sits, you might notice a mild scent. At Franck Provost, we use high-quality, low-fume formulas, but you’ll still smell a bit of the treatment – some describe it as a slightly sweet or chemical smell. Don’t worry, it’s normal!

5. Processing Time: Once applied, the keratin solution needs time to work its magic. Typically, you’ll sit for about 20 to 30 minutes (you can relax with a magazine and a coffee – we’ve got plenty!). During this time, the keratin and other nutrients are absorbing into the hair shaft.

6. Blow-Drying: After processing, without rinsing the product out, your stylist will blow-dry your hair smoothly. Your hair will be coated in the solution while being blown out straight, which helps begin the smoothing process.

7. Flat Ironing: This is the crucial step. Using a flat iron set to the appropriate temperature (usually quite high, around 230°C/450°F, but it can be adjusted lower for more fragile hair), your stylist will flat iron your hair in very small sections. They may go over each section several times (anywhere from 5 to 10+ passes) to seal in the treatment. This step “locks in” the keratin. After this, your hair will likely be looking super straight, shiny, and a bit flat (since it has all the product still in it).

8. Rinsing (Timing Varies): Depending on the product used, some keratin treatments require you to wait a certain period before washing your hair (anywhere from 12 hours to 72 hours). During that time, you must keep your hair dry and avoid creasing it (no ponytails, clips, or tucking behind ears). However, many modern keratin formulas – including the ones we prefer at Franck Provost – are “same-day” formulas which we can rinse out and style immediately in the salon. We’ll let you know which type you’re getting. If it’s a same-day formula, we’ll rinse and perhaps lightly shampoo your hair right after the flat ironing, then proceed to a final blowdry. If it’s a traditional formula that needs to stay in, we’ll simply send you home with the product in and instructions on when to wash. (Increasingly, clients and stylists favor the same-day formulas for convenience.)

9. Final Styling: After the treatment is completed (and rinsed, if applicable), we’ll style your hair as desired – though honestly, it usually falls into a smooth, sleek style with very minimal effort at this point. Your hair will look shiny, healthy, and much smoother than when you walked in.

The whole process can take around 2 to 4 hours depending on your hair length and thickness. It’s a bit of time investment, but the results last for months, saving you time every single day – so most clients find it well worth it!

Benefits of Keratin Treatment – Why You’ll Love It

A keratin treatment is beloved by many because of the transformative benefits it offers. Here are some of the top reasons to consider getting one:

• Dramatic Frizz Reduction: Say goodbye to puffy, frizzy hair. Keratin essentially weather-proofs your strands. Humidity and rain won’t cause your hair to expand into a frizzy halo as it might have before. You can get caught in a bit of drizzle and, once dry, your hair should still dry relatively smooth. This is life-changing if you live in a humid climate or have naturally frizz-prone hair.

• Easier, Faster Styling: With keratin-treated hair, many people find they no longer need to flat iron or spend ages with a round brush. Your blow-dry time will be cut down significantly (some say by 50% or more). In some cases, hair can be air-dried and still look presentable. If you do blow-dry or iron, it’ll glide into the style quickly. This means more get-up-and-go freedom each morning and less overall heat damage to your hair (since you won’t need as much heat styling).

• Softer, Shinier Hair: Keratin treatments leave the hair ultra-soft to the touch and reflective-shiny. Remember, it’s coating the hair shaft and filling in rough spots, so the hair reflects light much better. Many clients can’t stop touching their hair after a keratin because it feels like silk.

• Loosens Curl Pattern: If you have curly or wavy hair that you love but wish was a bit more relaxed, keratin is a great option. It will soften and loosen curls in a gentle way. Tight curls might become soft curls or deep waves; wavy hair may become mostly straight. The goal is not stick-straightness (unless your hair was already straight-ish) but a significantly smoother version of your natural hair. This can open up new styling possibilities – you might be able to wear wash-and-go waves without frizz, or do a quick straight style with one pass of an iron instead of ten.

• Hair Remains Colorful: Unlike some straightening methods that can strip color or cause brassiness, keratin treatments are generally color-safe. In fact, at Franck Provost we often do a colour service and a keratin in the same visit (usually colour first, then keratin, with some nuance in scheduling). The keratin can seal in your color and add vibrancy. Just note: very light blondes might see a slight warm tint after keratin due to the heat – we adjust our ironing temperature and solution for very blond hair to prevent any oxidation. If you have highlights, we might do a toner after the keratin if needed to ensure your blonde stays bright and cool-toned.

• Cumulative Effect: With proper maintenance, keratin treatments can be repeated 2-3 times a year, and many people find that their hair gets even better each time. Because keratin builds up (in a good way) in the hair, frequent users often report their hair is in the best condition it’s ever been – strong, shiny and smooth.

Imagine the confidence boost of hair that behaves every single day. One of our Franck Provost clients described her keratin treatment results as “hair freedom” – she could finally travel without packing an army of hair products and tools, and even an unplanned swim or gym session didn’t terrify her (because her hair would dry without becoming a frizzy mess). That freedom and confidence is perhaps the biggest benefit of all!

Is a Keratin Treatment Safe for My Hair?

Safety is a common concern, and rightly so – you should always know what’s going on your hair and scalp. The good news is, keratin treatments have come a long way in the past decade in terms of safety. Originally, many keratin treatments (especially the first ones that came out of Brazil) contained formaldehyde or similar aldehydes. These chemicals helped “lock” the hair into a straight position but posed health concerns for both the client and stylist when inhaled. Modern formulas, including the ones used at Franck Provost Australia, are formaldehyde-free and use safer smoothing agents (like glyoxylic acid) combined with keratin, collagen, and botanical extracts to achieve results.

Our salon prioritizes your health and comfort. We use ventilation and even personal fans when applying and ironing keratin solutions, just to ensure you’re comfortable with any fumes (even low-fume products have a smell). If you have sensitivities, let us know – we can perform a patch test of the product in advance or choose a formula specifically designed for sensitive scalps.

In terms of hair safety: keratin treatments do not damage hair when performed correctly. In fact, they are more likely to improve the feel and appearance of damaged hair. The key is to have a well-trained stylist who knows how to work with your hair type. Overly high heat on very fragile hair, for example, could cause some breakage – but an experienced Franck Provost stylist will adjust the temperature and technique to avoid that. We have successfully treated clients with heavily highlighted, porous hair by using a gentler approach (lower flat iron heat, shorter processing time) and they still get a great smoothing effect without harm.

It’s also reassuring that keratin treatments are temporary. The results gradually fade out of your hair over a few months. This means your natural texture will come back if you don’t maintain the treatments. There’s no permanent chemical alteration of your hair’s bonds (unlike relaxers or perms which are permanent until cut out). So, you’re not making an irreversible decision – you’re just giving your hair a semi-permanent boost.

If you are pregnant or have respiratory issues like asthma, it’s advised to consult with your doctor before a keratin treatment, even with gentler formulas. While many expectant mothers still get keratin treatments with no issue (especially the newer formulas), we always want our clients to err on the side of caution and be fully informed.

In summary, when done at a reputable salon with high-quality products, keratin treatments are considered safe and actually beneficial for the hair. At Franck Provost, we’ve seen clients’ hair integrity improve because they’re using less heat daily and benefiting from the keratin’s protective coating. We will always be transparent about the products we use, so you can relax and enjoy the process.

How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?

Keratin treatments typically last around 3 to 5 months, depending on your hair and how you care for it. Some people may enjoy smooth results for up to 6 months. The longevity can vary based on:

• Hair Texture: Coarser, very thick hair might revert a bit sooner just because the weight and structure of the hair can “fight back” against the treatment. Finer hair or hair that’s been highlighted (and thus more porous) often holds onto keratin longer.

• Hair Washing Frequency: The more frequently you wash your hair, the faster the keratin washes out. Each shampoo nudges those keratin proteins out of your cuticle little by little. So if you wash daily, expect a shorter lifespan than someone who washes 2-3 times a week.

• Aftercare Products: Using the right shampoos and conditioners is key. You’ll want to use a sulfate-free shampoo (and ideally sodium chloride–free as well) after your treatment. Sulfates (harsh detergents found in many shampoos) can strip the keratin coating off quickly. At our salon, we will recommend gentle shampoos – for example, the Kérastase Discipline or Chroma Absolu ranges, or Pureology (which is a 100% sulfate-free brand). These will cleanse your hair without degrading the treatment. Using a conditioner or mask with keratin and without sulfates can also help prolong the results.

• Heat Styling: Interestingly, using a blow dryer or flat iron at home (on a lower setting) can actually help maintain the smoothness because heat can re-seal some of the keratin when it starts to wear off. Don’t worry – you don’t have to flat iron your hair every day (you shouldn’t need to!). But if parts of your hair start to feel a bit more wavy over time, an occasional pass with a flat iron can revive the sleekness. Conversely, if you never add any heat and let your hair air dry every single time, the treatment will still work, but might not “reactivate” as well after many weeks.

On average, most of our clients get a keratin treatment 3 times a year: perhaps one before the humid summer kicks in, one mid-year, and one before the holiday season. You can definitely schedule them as needed. Once you notice your hair is returning to its natural frizz or wave more than you’d like, that’s your cue to book another session. It’s safe to do keratin repeatedly – in fact, some clients come every 3-4 months like clockwork to maintain continuously smooth hair.

Can I Still Color or Highlight My Hair if I Get a Keratin Treatment?

Yes, you can! Keratin treatments and hair color can absolutely coexist – it’s just a matter of timing and technique. Here’s how to navigate it:

If you plan to do both a colour service and a keratin, the general recommendation (and what we do at Franck Provost salons) is to color your hair first, then do the keratin immediately after (even on the same day). There are a couple of reasons for this:

• The keratin can sometimes cause very slight fading or lifting of artificial hair colour because of the heat used. This is especially true for semi-permanent colors or toners. By coloring first, you allow the keratin treatment to actually seal in your new color. We often notice colored hair looks even more vibrant and shiny after the keratin, since the cuticle is flattened.

• If you were to color after a keratin, you’d eventually have to use a shampoo to wash out the colour, which could strip some keratin and also the color might not penetrate as well through that keratin coating. It’s not the end of the world (you can do highlights or root touch-ups after having a keratin, it won’t ruin anything), but for best results, we aim to do colour first.

For example: If you’re getting highlights and a keratin, we’d highlight, tone the hair, rinse and dry, then apply the keratin. You leave the salon with freshly colored, frizz-free hair. If you’re getting a root tint for greys and a keratin, we’d apply the tint, rinse, maybe dry or lightly shampoo out residue, then proceed with keratin.

One thing to note: Keratin treatments can sometimes slightly lighten very vibrant colors. We find fashion colors (like bright reds or coppers) might look a touch faded after the high heat. Also, as mentioned, blondes might pick up a slight warmth. To counteract this, at Franck Provost we’ll adjust our toner formula knowing a keratin is coming. For instance, we might tone a blonde a tad cooler than usual, so after keratin it’s the perfect shade. Or we’ll schedule a quick gloss/toner a week or two post-keratin if needed.

Also, keratin can make natural hair (untreated hair) a bit lighter as well because of the flat ironing heat – this is usually only noticeable on light brown or blonde hair which might get a golden hue. It’s minor, but if you’re concerned, mention it to your stylist. Protective products or a lower iron temp can mitigate it.

If you color your hair regularly (like root touch-ups for grey): You can continue on your schedule. Just be gentle and use good products. You might find your colour lasts longer because you’re not using harsh shampoos or as much heat after keratin. When it’s time to touch up roots, go ahead – just avoid any high-ammonia bleaching on your scalp right after a keratin as your scalp might be a tad sensitive. But highlights/foils are fine. It’s a good idea to inform your colourist that you have a keratin treatment in your hair, so they can adjust timing if needed (though generally it doesn’t change much in the colouring process).

In summary, yes – you can have beautifully colored and smoothed hair. At Franck Provost, we often call this the power duo: get that dream colour and then lock in lustrous shine and smoothness with keratin. It’s a path to truly low-maintenance, high-impact hair.

Post-Treatment Care: Tips to Maintain Your Smooth Look

You’ve invested time and money into your keratin treatment, so naturally you’ll want to make the results last as long as possible. Here are some essential aftercare tips to keep your hair looking flawlessly smooth and shiny:

• Use Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner: This is rule number one. Traditional shampoos with sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) will strip the keratin out faster. Opt for gentle shampoos labeled “sulfate-free” or specifically designed for keratin-treated hair. Many of these will also be sodium chloride-free, since salt can also shorten the life of the treatment. At Franck Provost, we often recommend Pureology or Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste shampoos after keratin – both are great at cleansing without harsh ingredients. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. Look for ingredients like keratin, oils, and butters that will continue to nourish the hair.

• Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Soon or Too Often: If your keratin treatment was one that required a waiting period, abide by it – usually 48 to 72 hours of not washing. If it was a same-day formula, you’re good to go, but still, try not to shampoo again for at least 48 hours to let it settle. In the long term, try to limit hair washing to 2-3 times per week if possible. On off days, you can use a dry shampoo at the roots if needed. The less you wash, the longer the keratin will last.

• Avoid Creases in the First 2-3 Days: Again, if you have that initial window where the treatment is setting in your hair (for traditional keratins), keep your hair down and straight. No tight ponytails, clips, or tucking behind ears. If a crease does happen, you can blow dry it straight or flat iron it on low heat to smooth it out. Once the first few days have passed or after that first wash, you’re free to style normally.

• Deep Condition Weekly: Keratin makes hair feel great, but you still want to keep nourishing it. Using a deep conditioning mask once a week can help maintain softness and elasticity. Choose a mask that is free of sulfates – many professional brands have intensive masks. Applying a mask and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes in the shower (or wrapping your hair in a warm towel for a treat) will keep your hair hydrated. This is especially helpful if your hair was dry or damaged to begin with, or if you have highlights.

• Minimize Chlorine and Saltwater Exposure: This one can be tricky for swimmers or beach lovers, but chlorine (pool water) and saltwater can shorten the life of your keratin treatment. They both can strip the coating off your hair. We’re not saying to avoid the pool or ocean entirely (life’s too short to skip summer fun!), but do take precautions. Wet your hair with clean water before swimming (hair soaks up the clean water and is less porous to chlorinated/salt water), apply a leave-in conditioner as a barrier, and ideally wear a swim cap if you’re doing laps. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly and apply a conditioner. Following these steps will help protect that smoothness.

• Use a Heat Protectant: One perk of keratin is you’ll likely use hot tools less. But when you do blow-dry or iron your hair, always use a heat protectant spray or cream. This prevents heat damage and also keeps the keratin intact. In fact, a light blow-dry after washing will reactivate the smoothness nicely. Just keep irons at a reasonable temperature (you won’t need the highest setting anymore).

• Stay on Schedule: As mentioned, when you notice your hair’s frizz creeping back or the ends not as sleek, it might be time for a touch-up treatment. Some clients will get a partial keratin just on their bangs or hairline in between full treatments (those areas can frizz up fastest). We can be flexible – you might not need a full head treatment every time if only certain sections are bothering you.

By following these steps, you can enjoy months of gorgeous, low-maintenance hair. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of running your fingers through your hair and feeling smoothness instead of roughness, or stepping out on a humid day and not instantly puffing up. Proper care will make your investment in a keratin treatment so worthwhile.

Why Choose Franck Provost for Your Keratin Treatment?

Keratin treatments are widely available, so why trust your hair to Franck Provost? As a high-end, internationally acclaimed salon brand, we bring expertise, quality, and a touch of luxury to every service – and keratin smoothing treatments are no exception.

At Franck Provost Australia, our stylists are highly trained in smoothing services. We understand that every head of hair is different. Before we even start, we analyze your hair’s texture, condition, and history. We then customize the treatment to you – selecting the ideal formula (we have a few different keratin products at our disposal) and adjusting our technique to ensure optimal results without compromising your hair’s integrity. Not every salon will take this nuanced approach. Our expertise means if you have, say, very fine or damaged hair, we’ll use a gentler process; if you have coarse, resistant curls, we know to take extra time and care to deliver the sleekness you crave.

Quality of product is another major reason. We use formaldehyde-free, top-of-the-line keratin products that are proven effective and safe. Lesser salons might use cheaper knock-offs that won’t give you the longevity or could leave an unpleasant smell in your hair for weeks. With us, you can trust that what we’re putting on your hair is the best the industry offers – we stake our reputation on it. The result is a treatment that smooths without flattening your hair or causing breakage, and fades out gracefully.

Moreover, we elevate the whole keratin appointment into a luxurious experience. Remember, you’re spending a few hours with us for this service – we make it enjoyable. Relax in our comfortable chairs, enjoy a beverage of your choice (perhaps a cappuccino or a herbal tea), and let us pamper you. Our salons are designed to be elegant and soothing, so your keratin session doubles as self-care time. We’ll even throw in a complimentary consultation on home care, showing you exactly which shampoo or mask to use and how to blow dry at home to maximize results. It’s this kind of comprehensive care that sets Franck Provost apart – we don’t just do your hair and send you off; we ensure you’re educated and confident in maintaining your gorgeous new look.

Lastly, consider the trust factor. Franck Provost has a legacy as a global hairdressing leader. Our Australian salons carry on that torch. We’ve performed countless keratin treatments and have many loyal clients who return time and again for their smoothing touch-ups because they love how we handle their hair. Your satisfaction and hair health are our top priorities. We stand by our work – if you ever had a concern post-treatment, we’re here to help, be it a quick check or tweak. Our goal is that you absolutely adore your hair every day after a service with us.

In summary, choosing Franck Provost means choosing peace of mind, excellence in execution, and a dash of indulgence. If you’re ready to trade in the daily flat iron battle for wash-and-go bliss, we’d be honored to be the salon that gives you the hair of your dreams.

Keratin Treatment FAQs

Q: Will a keratin treatment make my hair completely straight?
A: Keratin treatments will significantly smooth and relax your hair texture, but results vary per person. If you have very curly hair, expect it to become looser waves or very soft curls (much easier to straighten if you choose). Wavy or frizzy hair often becomes mostly straight. Truly pin-straight results are more likely if your natural hair was only mildly wavy to begin with. The goal of keratin is to remove frizz and make hair ultra-manageable, while still keeping some of your natural body. If you want stick-straight hair regardless of your natural texture, a Japanese straightening or relaxer might be recommended instead – but those are more permanent and harsher on hair. We find most clients prefer the natural yet sleek look keratin gives.

Q: How is a keratin treatment different from a chemical relaxer?
A: They’re quite different. A chemical relaxer (or Japanese straightening) breaks the internal bonds of the hair to re-shape it, forcing it permanently straight until it grows out. That process can be damaging and is irreversible on the treated hair. A keratin treatment, by contrast, does not alter the hair’s internal structure; it works more on the surface, adding a protein layer and smoothing the cuticle. Keratin gradually washes out over time, and is far gentler. Relaxers yield very straight hair but can leave hair feeling a bit brittle, whereas keratin leaves hair smoother and actually feeling softer/healthier. Also, relaxers are typically for very curly hair aiming for a total straight result, while keratin is for a wide range (slight wave to curly) aiming for a frizz-free, easier-to-manage result.

Q: I have bleached blonde hair. Is it safe to do keratin?
A: Yes – we perform keratin treatments on bleached and highlighted blondes frequently, but with some extra care. We use a gentle formula compatible with bleached hair and adjust the flat iron temperature to be a bit lower to protect those fragile strands. You might see a tiny shift in tone (keratin + heat can bring a hint of warmth), but we can counteract that with a toner if needed. Many blondes actually find that keratin treatment helps their hair; bleach can make hair porous and frizzy, and keratin fills in porosity and adds softness and shine. Just ensure you’re following the maintenance (sulfate-free, lots of conditioning), as bleached hair needs TLC. With proper care, you can be a smooth blonde bombshell – the best of both worlds!

Q: How much does a keratin treatment cost at Franck Provost?
A: The price can vary depending on your hair length, thickness, and the specific salon location. Generally, our keratin smoothing treatments range from around $300 to $450. For example, shorter or finer hair may be at the lower end of the range, whereas very long or thick hair requiring more product and time will be at the higher end. We know it’s an investment, but keep in mind the results last for several months. We always provide a personalized quote during your consultation before we begin, so you’ll know the cost upfront. Also, we occasionally have promotions or packages – don’t hesitate to ask your local Franck Provost salon if any specials are available.

Q: Can I tie my hair back or style it normally after a keratin treatment?
A: In the long run, yes absolutely! After the initial 48-72 hours (for treatments that require a waiting period), you can style your hair as usual – that means you can curl it with an iron for loose waves, tie it in a ponytail for the gym, etc. Your hair will actually hold styles like curls better because it’s smoother (you might find you need to hold the curling iron a bit longer or use a lower heat setting, since keratin-coated hair sometimes resists taking a curl, but you can still do it). In the first couple of days right after treatment, avoid creasing it if instructed by your stylist. But once that’s over, keratin doesn’t limit your styling options – it expands them, because now you can choose to wear it straight easily, or still have the option for curls and updos without the frizz. Many of our clients enjoy the versatility: silky straight most days, and silky smooth curls when they want a different look.